How to Measure Cabinet Gas Struts: A Complete Guide
How to Measure Cabinet Gas Struts: A Complete Guide
Replacing gas struts on cabinet doors requires precise measurements to ensure proper fit and function. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to accurately measure your existing cabinet gas struts, covering essential aspects such as extended length, compressed length, and force rating. Correctly measuring your struts makes it easier to find the right replacement and restores smooth and controlled cabinet door operation. If after reading this article you are still unsure, you can use our gas spring force calculator to ensure you calculate the correct force required.
Why Accurate Measurement is Essential
Using the wrong size or force gas strut can lead to several problems, including:
- Cabinet doors not opening or closing properly
- Damage to the cabinet frame or door
- Potential injury from uncontrolled door movement
Accurate measurements are crucial for selecting a replacement strut that matches the original’s specifications, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
Tools You’ll Need
- Measuring tape or ruler (metric measurements are preferred)
- Helper (optional but recommended for safety)
- Safety glasses
- Gloves (optional)
How do I know my cabinet strut needs replacing?
Your cabinet strut probably needs replacing if it no longer holds the cabinet door open, if the door slams shut, or if the strut looks damaged or leaking. These are signs the gas pressure has depleted.
Several signs indicate that your cabinet gas strut may need replacing:
- Door Doesn’t Stay Open: The most common symptom is the cabinet door failing to remain open on its own.
- Door Slams Shut: A faulty strut may not provide enough resistance, causing the door to slam down forcefully.
- Visible Damage: Inspect the strut for any signs of physical damage, such as dents, bends, or leaks.
- Reduced Speed: If the door closes much faster than it used to, the gas strut may be losing pressure.
- No Smooth Motion: The door should move smoothly, not jerkily, when it’s working as intended.
Replacing gas struts promptly can prevent further damage to the cabinet and ensure user safety. You may also want to consider different end fittings for your new strut; check out our gas strut end fittings guide for some great options.
How to Measure Cabinet Gas Struts
There are three key measurements to take when replacing a gas strut: the extended length, the compressed length (stroke), and the force or Newtons (N) required.
Step 1: Determining the Extended Length
The extended length is the distance between the centers of the end fittings when the gas strut is fully extended. Here’s how to measure it accurately:
- Fully Extend the Strut: If the strut is still functional (though weak), fully extend it. If it’s completely failed, try to manually extend it to its maximum length.
- Measure Center-to-Center: Use your measuring tape to measure from the center of one end fitting to the center of the other. Ensure the tape is straight and taut.
- Record Measurement: Note this measurement in millimeters (mm) for precision.
Knowing the extended length is crucial for ensuring that the replacement strut will fit properly within the cabinet setup. This measurement dictates how far the door will open and close.
Step 2: Determining the Compressed Length (Stroke)
The stroke is the difference between the extended and compressed lengths. In other words, how much the strut compresses.
- Determine the mounting points of the fully-closed door
- Measure the distance between the mounting points. This is your compressed length
Step 3: Identifying the Force Rating (Newtons)
The force rating, measured in Newtons (N), indicates how much force the gas strut exerts. Determining the correct force rating is vital for ensuring the cabinet door opens and closes smoothly without being too difficult or slamming shut. There are two primary ways to identify the force rating:
1. Check the Existing Strut for Markings
- Locate Markings: Inspect the body of the gas strut for any printed numbers or labels. Often, the force rating is indicated with an “N” (e.g., 100N, 150N, 200N).
- Record Rating: Note the force rating. If the marking is faded or unreadable, you may need to estimate (see Method 2) or consult the cabinet manufacturer.
2. Estimate the Force Rating
Estimating the force rating involves some calculation or using a reference chart. To calculate you will need to know:
- Weight of the Door: Weigh the cabinet door using a household scale.
- Measure Door Height: Measure the height of the cabinet door from hinge to the opposite end.
- Hinge Position: Measure distance from hinge to where strut mounts to door.
- Calculate Force: Use a gas spring force calculator to determine the approximated newtons needed.
Where can I buy one?
Once you have your measurements, you can purchase a suitable replacement from Aritech Gas Springs. Head over to our online shop and use our product filters to select the correct one. You can also check out the gas struts on Amazon.
Gas Strut End Fittings Guide: Choosing The Right Type
Selecting the right end fittings is crucial for ensuring compatibility and proper installation of your gas struts. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of gas strut end fittings and their typical applications:
Eyelet End Fittings
Eyelet end fittings feature a circular, eye-shaped opening that attaches to a mounting stud or bracket. These are among the most common and versatile fittings used in a variety of applications.
- Pros: Easy to install, versatile, and widely available.
- Cons: Can require additional hardware (e.g., studs, brackets) for mounting.
- Applications: Cabinet doors, hatches, lids, and light-duty industrial applications.
Ball Socket End Fittings
Ball socket end fittings consist of a ball-shaped end that fits into a socket on the mounting surface. They offer excellent flexibility and ease of alignment.
- Pros: Provides flexibility in alignment, easy to snap into place.
- Cons: May not be as robust as other fitting types for heavy-duty applications.
- Applications: Automotive applications (e.g., trunk and hood struts), smaller cabinet doors, and light-duty lids.
Threaded End Fittings
Threaded end fittings have a threaded end that screws into a corresponding threaded hole. This type offers a secure and adjustable connection.
- Pros: Secure connection, allows for length adjustment.
- Cons: Requires precise alignment and threading, can be more difficult to install.
- Applications: Applications where precise adjustment is needed, such as adjustable furniture, some industrial equipment, and heavy-duty lids.
Clevis End Fittings
Clevis end fittings feature a U-shaped fork that is secured with a pin or bolt. They provide a strong and stable connection.
- Pros: Strong, stable, and reliable connection.
- Cons: Requires precise alignment, can be more complex to install.
- Applications: Heavy-duty industrial equipment, agricultural machinery, and applications where a very secure connection is necessary.
Other Specialised Fittings
A variety of specialised fittings also can offer unique solutions for specific needs.
- Stud Fittings: Feature a protruding stud for direct attachment.
- Angle Brackets: Provide an angled mounting surface.
- Quick Release Fittings: Allow for quick and easy removal and attachment.
Ensuring Compatibility
Consider the mounting surface and the required range of motion when selecting end fittings. Ensure that the fittings are compatible with the specific requirements of your application for a secure and functional setup. If your strut is too strong, then view our guide here.
Cabinet Strut Measurement: Final Thoughts
Measuring gas struts on things such as cabinet doors isn’t too difficult, just make sure you spend some time and get them right. Consider all the factors we have laid out in this article and you are sure to be successful. Remember you can use our gas spring force calculator to ensure you calculate the right strut force.
